About this liqueur

Along the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, lemon groves climb terraced hillsides above the sea, and limoncello is the region's signature drink. Families and small producers have long made it the same way: peeling the fragrant zest of local lemons, steeping it in pure alcohol until the oils are drawn out, then sweetening it with sugar syrup. Amalfi's own lemon, the large, thick-skinned Sfusato Amalfitano, is protected as Limone Costa d'Amalfi IGP and is valued for its intense perfume.

In the glass, limoncello is a vivid yellow, intensely aromatic of lemon peel, sweet but balanced by fresh citrus and a gentle warmth. Italians serve it straight from the freezer in small chilled glasses at the end of a meal, but it is equally useful in spritzes, over ice cream or in desserts. It makes a cheerful, sunny gift, and a refreshing way to round off a long festive lunch.

Key facts

• Limoncello is a traditional lemon liqueur from southern Italy's Amalfi Coast, Sorrento and Capri
• Made by steeping lemon zest in neutral alcohol, then sweetening with sugar syrup
• Amalfi's prized lemon is the large, fragrant 'Sfusato Amalfitano', protected as Limone Costa d'Amalfi IGP
• Traditionally served ice-cold after a meal as a digestivo

Tasting notes

Nose:

intense fresh lemon zest and peel oils

Palate:

sweet, bright lemon with a light syrupy texture and gentle warmth

Finish:

zesty and refreshing

Serve

Serve straight from the freezer in small chilled glasses as a digestivo, or make a Limoncello Spritz: 50 ml limoncello, 75 ml prosecco, a splash of soda, over ice with a lemon slice.

Food pairing

Lovely after a rich Bengali feast or biryani, and with lemon tart, panna cotta or vanilla gelato.